News
Keshia S. Elder, OD, MS, FAAO, professor at the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO), was awarded the Millicent Knight Trailblazer Award at the 2022 National Optometric Association (NOA) Conference.
Yuchen Wang, PhD, has joined the UAB School of Optometry as an assistant professor in research. Wang is fascinated by how neurons communicate with each other, and his long-term career goal is to understand how synapses in sensory systems, particularly visual systems, achieve and maintain fast and reliable signal transmission, which enables a seamless and accurate perception of our environment.
Two UAB School of Optometry students were recognized at the 2022 National Optometric Association (NOA) National Convention.
Read more: Students appointed as leaders, receive scholarships at 2022 NOA Convention
by Satina Richardson
Gerald Simon, OD, was named 2022 Optometrist of the Year by the National Optometric Association (NOA).
The World Games represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase UAB on a global stage — and transforming our residence halls and Commons on the Green into the Athletes’ Village or serving as the official medical provider for Games athletes and spectators aren’t the only ways to shine a spotlight on the best of UAB. Read more on UAB News
Read more: Optometry showcases unique experience at The World Games Plaza
No kid wants to be told they are nearsighted. Emory Carter was 8 years old when he was diagnosed with myopia, or nearsightedness. However, unlike many children his age, Emory saw his diagnosis as an opportunity, not an obstacle. Read more on UAB News
Read more: Eight-year-old uses myopia diagnosis to help others like him
Summer months are made for spending time outdoors. But the extreme heat can lead to health concerns if one does not take care of themselves, especially at The World Games. University of Alabama at Birmingham experts provide tips on how to stay safe and well when attending the major sporting events coming to our area. Read more on UAB News
Read more: Surviving the heat of the summer during The World Games
by Satina Richardson
Jason Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, UAB School of Optometry professor and the UAB Office of Research’s senior associate vice president for research, received the 2022 Donald R. Korb Award. Given by the American Optometric Association (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section, the award recognizes an individual who has been a true innovator and leader in the field of contact lenses and anterior segment disease.
Read more: Nichols honored for optometric research and innovation
by Satina Richardson
Samantha Chapman, a rising second year optometry student, reached the final round of the 2022 AOSA Optometry Student Bowl XXXI.
Read more: Chapman reaches final round of optometry student bowl
by Satina Richardson
Dr. Keshia S. Elder, associate professor at the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO), will become the first African American female in the nation to lead a school of optometry. Effective September 1, 2022, she will be dean of the College of Optometry at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL).
Read more: Elder becomes nation’s first Black female optometry school dean
by Caleb Jones
Many UAB School of Optometry (UABSO) graduates do a great deal of work to advance the optometric profession in their communities and abroad. One such alumna is Dr. Angela Amedo, PhD. A native of Accra, Ghana who lives in Kumasi, Amedo earned her doctorate in vision science from UABSO in 2005 on a Fullbright scholarship. She returned to Ghana after graduation and has helped advance the profession in the country.
Read more: Dr. Angela Amedo, Ghana's first Professor of Optometry
by Satina Richardson
Gerald Simon, OD, received the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award at the 2022 Hooding and Convocation Ceremony. The Dean’s Distinguished Service Award acknowledges leadership and service to the community and the optometric profession.
Read more: Simon receives Dean’s Distinguished Service Award
by Satina Richardson
The Dean’s Outstanding Staff Award was given to Chris Boutwell at the 2022 Convocation and Hooding Ceremony. Boutwell earned the award due to his countless contributions to the school since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
by Satina Richardson
Kelly Forbus and her fiancé Johnny Thompson planned to visit the courthouse to get their marriage certificate processed in time for their formal wedding ceremony the following day. Her work family, however, had alternate surprise plans. They secretly arranged a ceremony on the plaza at the UAB School of Optometry.
Thomas T. Norton, PhD, FAAO, UAB School of Optometry professor emeritus, has been granted an honorary Doctor of Science degree from State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry for making substantial contributions to the advancement of optometry and public healthcare.
Read more: Norton receives honorary doctorate from SUNY College of Optometry
by Satina Richardson
The UAB School of Optometry is leading efforts to provide eye and vision care to World Games athletes during the multi-sport international event in Birmingham, July 7-17, 2022.
Read more: UAB’s optometry school leads World Games eye care program
by Caleb Jones
According to the American Optometric Association, about 89 to 90 million Americans of all ages participate in sports. With many sports, players always assume the risk of some kind of injury, whether it be broken bones, torn ligaments, or damaged muscles. But what happens when a sports injury affects an athlete’s ability to see?
Read more: UAB athlete benefits from emergency care after eye injury
First year students Kimberly Martocci and Samantha Chapman spent their spring break accompanying a group of dental students to provide dental and eye care to people living in the Dominican Republic.
Read more: First year students provide eye care during mission trip
Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO, UAB School of Optometry dean, was awarded the Dr. Frank Fontana Career Achievement Award at the 2022 Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO).
The award is named after Dr. Frank Fontana, the first optometrist to receive the lifetime achievement award from Review of Optometry in 2014. Lovingly known by many as “Uncle Frank,” Fontana had a remarkable 70-year career and left an indelible imprint on the profession. He was a friend and mentor to many for generations and passed away at the age of 96 years.
by Janene Sims, OD, PhD, FAAO
For Women’s History Month we would like to recognize three female optometrists who were pioneers of the profession in the state of Alabama. All three of these women were business owners. Two were graduates of the UAB School of Optometry, while the other completed her degree at the Indiana University School of Optometry. Who are these accomplished women?
Read more: Celebrating accomplished female Alabama optometrists